Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Smith.
Mel, please share your story with us.
My earliest memories began in my mom’s kitchen doing hair. My first paying customer was Lisa Manning from there, brows, makeup, and art. I did this on the side until I went to the Airforce. I met my husband on Active Duty and gave up the hustle and uncertainty of the Beauty Business to be a full-time wife, a mother with a boring 9-5. I was dead. Now, fast forward 10 years and a divorce later and here we are 8 years in and I am just getting started, my drive is motivated by the power of making women beautiful on the outside as well as inside.
A single mom of two amazing young men, Practicing Professional Registered Nurse (15 years), Professional Makeup Artist (8 years) and Business Owner. Mel owns “The M’Spot “a luxury Makeup Atelier located in The Cumberland/Vining’s area. The M’Spot is home to Mel Smith Makeup and M’Lashe Cosmetics. Mel caters to every client and gives him or her the celebrity experience. M’Lashe Cosmetics is a beautifully Curated line of Makeup Catered to Women of Color. The line includes Luxury Mink lashes that been seen on The View, Almost Christmas, Sister Circle TV, Monica, Raven Simone, EVE, Gabrielle Union, RHOA, LHHATL, Angela Simmons, Denise Boutte and Cynthia Ergo to name a few. Celebrity Makeup Artists love Mel’s Lashes as much as they love her loyal customers. Mel just launched her My Nude is Beautiful Campaign, a collection of beautiful browns to suit every shade of nude. She also just released her customer illuminator drops that enhance Melanin. Mel’s Makeup has been seen on Tha Music Factory TV, The sister Circle TV, Hype Hair, Esquire Magazine, Dark Beauty Magazine, SCAD Magazine, Regina Belle, Tiffany Evans, Andre 3000, Mimi Faust, Munaluchi.Com. Essence Mag Online and countless private clients that return not only for makeup but the experience. My goal is quality products for all women.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been HELL, lol, to say the least. Struggles include networking, money, and simply just not knowing which way to go. My advice is to take the first job you can that experience will prove invaluable.
Please tell us about Mel Smith Makeup LLC.
What sets me apart is the one skill I gained from being a nurse… and that is to care. Makeup is makeup but when you show your clients you care and they know you are genuine, you have that client for a lifetime. My specialty is clean glamour. Both young and old love it. I am most proud that I have built a cosmetics line that is not only good but the fact that I make the products with my own hands.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Bible Scripture
Apps: Gmail, studio
Contact Info:
- Address: 1950 North Park Place
Atlanta, GA 30339 - Website: www.melsmithmakeup.com
- Phone: 505-600-1285
- Email: info@melsmithmakeup.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/melsmithmakeup
Image Credit:
Mel Smith, Summar Lefleur, Natia
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
